What's With Heather Locklear's Mystery Ring?

Heather Locklear is having an on-again, off-again relationship – with a diamond ring.

The actress has been spotted around L.A. wearing the dazzling bauble on the ring finger of her left hand, including when she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from a trip to New York City with longtime boyfriend Jack Wagner on June 10. Two nights later, she hit the red carpet at the Crystal and Lucy Awards looking stunning in a green printed Max Mara frock, but sans the sparkler.

On June 14, the ring was back on as Locklear, 47, lunched in Beverly Hills with Wagner, 49, her daughter Ava, 11, and a pal of Ava’s, but she quickly slipped it off when she noticed photographers outside the restaurant, says an observer.

“She’s in it for the long haul with Jack. Their friends know their future is together,” says a friend of the couple, who insists they ve made no announcements that they intend to wed. “But they’re not officially engaged.”

Locklear’s publicist has denied that the actress is engaged, and declined to comment on the ring switcheroos.

Happy Times

These are happier times for Locklear, who has been reveling in her healthy relationship with her former Melrose Place costar.

“They’re having so much fun. They just had a really fun trip to New York together, and they have plans for over the summer. They’re just enjoying being together,” says the couple’s pal, adding, “Things are great between Heather and Richie [Sambora, Locklear’s ex-husband] too, and Jack and Richie. It could not be a more healthy situation for everyone.”

Indeed, on June 14 the pair – who have been dating since early 2007 – seemed completely in love as they shared pizza and salad in Beverly Hills with Ava and her friend.

“Jack and Ava seemed to get along great, and at one point they even ganged up on Heather and made her blush by telling a funny story about her,” says an observer, adding that Wagner was “very sweet and attentive to Locklear. “Heather was in a great mood. They all seemed to be having the best time.”